Burgess Meredith is a 60’s-influenced rock & roll band located in Austin, TX. The band pays tribute to the late great actor and was formed by Josh King, John Vishnesky and Jesse Hester. These guys sound pretty amazing; a bit like a young 10cc, rumor is they’ve been tapped for next years IPO. All I can say is I can’t wait for the new LP to come out. Proof the future of power pop is bright with these artists!
Big Huge is pop punk band from NYC. I don’t know much about them – but they are unsigned and have a raw energy that’s hard to ignore. Check’em out.
The Swedish Polarbears give us the best Teenage Fanclub song not made by Teenage Fanclub in “Norman Blake.” Although this song isn’t new, the band is working on a new EP for 2016 called The Great Northern. Alicia Rae is a singer-songwriter from Washington, DC. The self-taught guitarist purchased her first guitar in 2009, and quickly found her knack for songwriting. A little shy, it took some convincing from her loved ones to perform at her first open mic in late 2012. Alicia was quickly recognized for her crisp vocals and catchy lyrics. Pick up her EP at Noisetrade for a mere tip.
Just one more week of reviews for 2015 – next week is our long-awaited year end “Best of” list!
Honeywagen “Jamboree”
Kansas City jangle pop junkies, Mike Penner, Scott Christensen, Bill Ryan and Peter Cook are Honeywagen. I mentioned them in my review of IPO #18, but I wanted to hear the full album Jamboree. Reminds me a bit of Midwestern roots band with Beatlesque flair, starting with “Angel” it has some barroom swing to go with those guitars. Plenty of Byrdsian jangle on “Another Hour,” although the vocals are a bit understated, there are lots of favorite influences here. “Five Point Oh” plays like an old Beach Boys car song and “Good Luck Tonight” is a little bit Big Star and Dwight Twilley combined. Recommended tracks include the high energy “Lose My Mind,” self loathing ballad “Loser,” and the Monkees-like “She Wants.” It was hard to find a bad song, which is a good sign of any highly recommended album. Check it out!
An astute powerpopaholic reader alerted me to this gem. Hooten Tennis Club combines arty noise-pop and power pop into something like Pavement meets Teenage Fanclub. Band leader Ryan Murphy, guitarist James Madden, bassist Callum McFadden and drummer Harry Chalmers formed the band in 2013, recording a cover of The Rolling Stones “19th Nervous Breakdown,” (hmm, this sounds familiar) then signed with Heavenly Records.
The sound is full of bright pop hooks and dense guitars on “Up In The Air” and jaunty catchy chorus of “P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L .P.I.E.R.R.E.” proves this band is more than just a messy impressionist pop band. Early singles “Jasper” and “Kathleen Sat On The Arm of Her Favorite Chair” are solid slices of life set to fuzz riffs, recalling the best pop of the ’90s. Not a single wasted note here, even the long four minute plus “Always Coming Back 2 You” held my attention. Brilliant indie pop that is highly recommended. Amazon
Cotton Mather is back. Cotton Mather’s much revered album 1997 album Kontiki – originally issued in 1997, and then again as a deluxe edition in 2012 – was heavily influenced by Chinese philosophy, and the band’s mastermind, Robert Harrison is mining that subject matter again with his new ambitious project which represents the first all-new Cotton Mather music in more than a decade. Stay tuned!
Paul Steel is making a sequel to his musical masterwork April & I. In 2007 that album got him on my radar as a musical force to be reckoned with.Paul’s personal output has been sparse in recent years because he’s been earning a living s a commercial pop writer and producer. But he’s got the bug again, so a sequel is in the works. Check out the pledge music page.
Holiday music from the guitar & pen of Andy Goldberg (the driving force behind The Honeymoon Stallions, The Goldbergs & The Sun Kings). This 5 song EP compiles holiday songs from each of the bands mentioned, all remixed by Paul Umbach. Some of these song have been “missing” for many years, so it’s great to have them back for the holiday season.
CD Baby
Shake Some Action “Christmas in The Sun”
One of my favorites, Shake Some Action delivers a great holiday single for FREE download. But I would like you to pay for it. All proceeds from the sale of this single go to the Toys For Tots Foundation, a top rated charity that provides toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. Bandcamp only.
Dropkick “25th December” EP
British band Dropkick certainly has been very active this year, and this goody is a small collection of holiday themed songs for FREE download. Love the jangling melody of “When Santa Comes Round” — you will too. Bandcamp only.
On his debut album German musician Coke Belda proved his mastery of power pop style and production techniques. Belda takes the next step by crafting irresistible ear candy on Nummer Zwei (Number Two). The illustrious Alan Haber introduces the very Jeff Lynne-like “Rainbow” with its layered harmonies and strong synth lead. “You’re Not in Love” has a shimmering guitar rhythm and a catchy melody. And each song that follows keeps the quality high, “Hold Me Tight” is another winner that recalls Pilot.
The joys and frustrations of songwriting are part of the ballad “Songwriting” and “Another ****ing Song,” the latter ending with high falsetto harmonies. While the musical techniques are sharp, its the song composition that really impresses here, “Where I Am” is a great example that hits all the right dramatic notes with George Harrison styled guitar flourishes. Belda is also fairly consistent with his style, there is no doubt that this makes my top ten list this year. As a bonus, if you buy Belda’s new LP, you’ll get a free download of his debut album! Bandcamp only
The Expected “Radio Night” EP
The Expected is a melodic rock/power pop band from Finland. The opener “Free Me” is a model of quiet/loud contrast with a riff heavy chorus of “Free Me Now or Forever Be Damned.” It’s a great single that deserves a spot on your playlist. The title track “Radio Night” is a showcase for lead singer Janne Äyräväinen and his layered harmonies with echoing guitar goodness are in the chorus. “Songs Of Hate” has a more anthemic chorus and is driven by drummer Tero Rikkonen’s beats. The European accents are barely noticeable and overall we have a great start for this rocking quartet. Check it out.
